Smart broadband postpaid base grows 132% in 2012

The broadband postpaid business of wireless leader Smart Communications (Smart) grew a staggering 132% in the past year due to increased uptake of its new offers an executive said Wednesday. According to Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Lloyd Manaloto, the unprecedented demand for new mobile internet devices (MIDs), particularly tablets, under its new “FlexiSurf” line of postpaid plans helped Smart Bro achieve its highest growth numbers ever.

“The public’s reception to FlexiSurf has just been unbelievable –we really hit a sweet spot,” said Manaloto.

“FlexiSurf enables Filipinos to enjoy the hottest gadgets with the best mobile Internet connectivity at prices they can afford,” he said.

Launched in May 2012, Smart Bro FlexiSurf is the first mobile broadband offer of its kind in the Philippines as it gives subscribers the option to avail of the most hotly-anticipated laptops and tablets on a 0% interest, 24-month instalment scheme without need of a credit card.

The Google Nexus 7 tablet, dubbed the best Android tablet in the world by popular US-based site Lifehacker.com,  for example, is available at 0% interest for less than P600 a month for 24 months with a Smart Bro Flexisurf Pocket WiFi Plan 599.

Manaloto continues that SmartBro FlexiSurf also accounted for 40% of Smart Bro’s total activations.

“We expect to exceed our growth targets for this year with new devices joining the fold and with the continued expansion of Smart LTE,” Manaloto said.

Available in Plans 3500, 1749, and 1299, Smart LTE is the Philippines’ first commercially-available Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile broadband service. The service is capable of speeds of up to 42Mbps through the use of a free USB dongle and can be used on an unlimited basis until April 30, 2013.

“Compared to the LTE services of other providers, SmartLTE is not limited to just one area. Smart LTE can be enjoyed in 46 cities and 69 municipalities nationwide,” said Smart, PLDT, Sun, and Digitel Network Head Rolando Pena.

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